Each year the monument receives a number of requests to use the mission and pueblo sites at Abó, Quarai and Gran Quivira for a variety of activities and events. It is the policy of the National Park Service (NPS) to allow these Special Park Uses provided they, "Are not in conflict with law or policy; will not result in derogation of the values and purposes for which the park was established; do not present a threat to public safety or property; and, do not unduly interfere with normal park operations, resource protection, or visitor use." [1]
National Park Service Special Park Use guidelines (NPS-53) further state that, "it is the policy of the NPS to charge permit fees for special park uses. Permit fees should reflect the fair market value of a benefit provided the permittee. The fair market value of a Special Park Use is the value of the lands or facilities used and the NPS cost incurred in managing, facilitating, or supporting the use. [2] Not all requests we receive are for appropriate uses of park managed resources and, since they are privileges and not rights, some are denied. Others, though perhaps appropriate, by virtue of their size and scope would create a significant impact on the quality of a visitor's experience and safety, or result in a derogation of the values and purposes for which the monument was established. However, there are other activities and events, for example weddings and other religious and cultural ceremonies traditionally held within a church, which generally are appropriate, provided they do not have adverse impacts on park resources.
Who May Apply
Any individual, group, society or organization may apply for a Special Use Permit. Caterers and other commercial businesses may not apply on behalf of individuals, groups, societies or organizations. The applicant for the permit must assume full responsibility and liability for the Special Park Use.
Requesting a Special Park Use Permit
Requests for Special Park Use permits require the completion of the NPS-930 (PDF) application to the park's Superintendent no more then six (6) months in advance and at least 14 days prior to the date of the planned event. There is a $100.00 non-refundable administrative fee for processing your application for a Special Park Use permit. This fee will only be accepted on pay.gov and will be charged to the applicant upon receival of the application. All questions should be answered as accurately and completely as possible to enable the swift proccessing of your permit and to estimate NPS cost incurred in managing, facilitating, or supporting the use. Potential applicants should check with the park on availability of dates prior to submitting the application and non-refundable fee. Submission of the application form and fee payment DOES NOT imply permission for any Special Park Use or event.
Although a specific date may be "open", there are times when staffing may not be adequate or available to manage a Special Park Use permit, other park functions are being planned, or the date may be a Federal Holiday in which case generally a permit will not be issued. If the requested activity is approved, a Special Park Use permit, outlining terms and conditions governing the special use, NPS cost information, bond and insurance requirements (if any), and payment instructions will be sent to the applicant.
Please note that an on-site meeting with park staff prior to any set-up activities is a permit requisite. Failure to meet on-site with park staff and/or to submit required Insurance, Deposit and Bond requirements, Public Health Inspections/Certificates, or Safety/Code Inspections (if required) could result in an immediate revocation of a Special Park Use Permit.
Grounds, Buildings, and Site Usage
Vehicular access at all sites will, in most cases, not be allowed on the grounds or in the missions or pueblos. Nothing, including signs, plaques, or banners may be affixed to any wall, window, door, tree, or any other structure within the mission sites. All signs must be free standing or attached to permittee's property. Nothing may be driven into the ground, including stakes, posts and temporary signs. If tents will be used, freestanding anchors must be utilized (55-gallon drums of water). After the event the disposal of water use to anchor tents will be at the direction of park staff.
Stage and/or Sound Systems
No stages are permitted which are visible over the Mission or Convento walls. Stage should be of a size and weight as not to require the use of heavy machinery (i.e. forklifts, cranes, etc.) for set-up.
Parking and Traffic Management
For events that exceed the available number of parking spaces, the park will work with the permittee to make available some open fields for parking. It will be the responsibility of the permittee to then provide the park with a traffic and parking management plan as well as the necessary number of personnel to control the traffic and parking operations. Additionally, if the event is held after sunset, it is the permittee's responsibility to provide a lighting plan which identifies necessary safety lighting in the parking fields, along walkways, and other areas that the park designates.
Restroom Facilities, Trash and Electricity
It will be the responsibility of the permittee to arrange for the removal of all trash generated by their event. Where the park cannot provide adequate restroom facilities, the permittee will be obligated to provide portable restroom facilities as the park requires. In instances where electrical power requirements exceed the park's utility service, the permittee will be responsible for providing their own power source and to clear those arrangements through the park's Facility Manager
Publicity and Press Releases
All advertising, press releases, press kits or other forms of media advertising for the event must be reviewed by the Superintendent of Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument prior to release.
Grounds Maintenance
Ground maintenance or mowing activities outside the park's normal mowing cycle will be charged to the permittee. Should pest control be necessary the park's Facility Manager will coordinate the process. The permittee will be responsible for all associated costs of pest control for the activity.
Park Usage Fees
The following fees may apply in addition to the non-refundable $100 application cost recovery fee listed above:
Staffing
Park staff is required to monitor all event activities including setup and takedown of such things as equipment, tents, temporary food booths, dance floors, stages, etc. There is an hourly charge for each staff person monitoring these setup and takedown activities as well as the monitoring of the permitted activity. The rate is determined using exact cost calculation of staff's salary and a breakdown will be provided to the permittee. If security is required, the permittee would need to make arrangements with New Mexico-Certified Peace Officers.
Utilities
If utilities (water, electricity, and sewage) are to be used, fees will be assessed. The park will provide an estimated charge for these fees to the permittee prior to issuance of any permit.
Administrative Costs
In addition to the non-refundable permit-processing fee, all other administrative costs associated with a special use permit will be charged to the permittee. This is a one-time cost that reflects the actual costs associated with the administrative process. These charges consist of time spent on telephone conversations, attendance at meetings, travel time, clerical support and other miscellaneous charges associated with the permit [3].
Performance Bond Deposits and Insurance Requirements
Performance Bonds or Deposits are the permittee's guarantee of compliance with permit conditions and reimbursement to the park for damage to the resources and/or facilities as a result of the permittee's activities. Deposits in an amount adequate to cover the estimated cost of restoration, repair, rehabilitation and cleanup of the area may be required. In lieu of a surety bond, a permittee may elect to deposit United States Treasury Bonds or Notes, a certified or cashier's check, bank draft, money order or cash equal to the amount of the required bond. A personal check is not acceptable in lieu of a bond. [4] A performance bond in the amount of the total estimated costs is required. This performance bond must be received at the park before the Special Use Permit can be issued. A final accounting will be completed as soon as possible after the conclusion of all event activities. The park sets the bond and has the right to waive bonds for low-risk activities such as weddings.
Liability insurance protects the government from negligent actions by permittees. The park sets the insurance amount based on local conditions and has the right to waive insurance for low-risk activities such as a commemorative ceremony. If alcoholic beverages are to be served during the course of an event, additional insurance in the form of Liquor Liability or Host Liability will be required. Liability insurance should be issued in the name of the group, not the applicant. The United States should be listed as Additional-Insured on the face of the policy.
To apply for a special use permit, complete the NPS 10-930 (PDF) form, send us an email that you finished the application and would like to send it electronically, or print and mail to the address below.
For additional information please contact:
Special Use Permit Coordinator
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
P.O. Box 517
Mountainair, NM, 87036
Phone (505) 847-2585 x221
[1] NPS-53 "SpecialPark Use Guidelines"
[2] NPS-53 "Special Park Use Guideline" Chapter 3 page 1
[3]NPS 53 "SpecialPark Use Guidelines" Chapter. 6 sec. III A; 2 Administrative Costs page 9
[4]NPS 53 "Special Park Use Guidelines" Chapter 6, Section V, page 9
